Council Minutes – January 10 2013

By Webmaster, on January 11th, 2013

Jermyn Borough Council met on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. On roll call the following members were present: W.Estile, J.Allan, J.Smith, A.J.Fuga and K.Hosie. B.Parks and J.Mark were absent. Attorney Nicholls and Mayor Smallacombe were in attendance.

MINUTES – A motion was made by J.Allan, seconded by W.Estile to adopt the minutes of December 13,2012. All members were in favor.

MAYOR– Mayor Smallacombe reported that the Trolley Museum has 4 glass cases to donate. One to put in Council Chambers, one in the library and the other two stored upstairs. A motion was made by A.J.Fuga, seconded by J.Allan to obtain the 4 glass cases from the Trolley Museum. All members were in favor. The Historical Society met for their annual dinner at Mr. Averys it is well attended, new artifacts discussed. They have a good bank account building up. The annual Events Committee is February 9, they will be honoring Jean Bell, Robyn Smith ,Shelia Wilkes and Representative Edward Staback. The mayor said he can obtain a new flag for the front of the building and asked J.Esgro to find out what size it is. The new restaurant,Café Zino, is having a grand opening on Saturday at 2:00, all are welcome. He said the Crime Watch met on Wednesday and are looking for members. He said he believes he found a funding source for the patrol rifle. He commended Chief Arthur on his reports and the new officers are doing will and enjoy working in Jermyn. He asked if information could be put on the website concerning the availability of the gym and he would be willing to help Mr.Allan. J.Smith asked about the progress on the train station? The mayor said they are waiting for an answer from the Railroad Authority on the lease and how faraway the building has to be. The Historical Society is working on the funding it is a matching grant and we will use in kind services for the borough’s match. Mr.Smith asked if a committee should be set up and he felt we need to be proactive. The mayor said Mr. W.Avery should be a part of it. Mr. Smith said it will be opened up to residents.

SOLICITOR– Attorney Nicholls said the contract for Bureau Veritas is complete. He said he spoke to the attorney for the Carite property and explained that perhaps some residents may wish to purchase it. The Attorney for the Carite estate said that they have a sales agreement signed on the property. If the sale does not work out he will contact Attorney Nicholls.

FINANCIAL – A motion was made by A.J.Fuga seconded by W.Estile to pay the invoices in the amount of $4644.03. All members were in favor.

PUBLIC SAFETY -J.Smith explained that when the new antenna was placed on the roof it was noticed that the roof was pulling away from the perimeter. Two bids were received for the repair and the roof has been fixed. The sad part is that the roof is nickel and diming us and come spring we have to discuss what to do with it.

DRIVEWAY ORDINANCE – A motion was made by A.J.Fuga seconded by J.Allan to authorize Attorney Nicholls to advertise the driveway ordinance in the newspaper. All members were in favor. He also notified all that a copy of all ordinances will be filed at the Lackawanna Law Library.

BRIDGE STREET – Attorney Nicholls said we have to advertise for loans and council asked that professional services to be included in the loan. He explained that the bid for the project is $71,339.00, KBA Engineering fees are $18,600.00, his fees $3000.00 and the rest of KBA’s engineering fees $5000.00, with a total cost of $97,974.00 and perhaps misc. overruns. The mayor said he spoke to Dennis Kutch for an alternate way to do the job. D.Kutch explained that having the concrete poured on site is not as good as having them delivered.

A motion was made by A.J.fuga seconded by J.Allan to request bids from the bank in the amount of $100,000.00 for the Bridge Street project. J.Smith asked if the terms would be five years or ten years?

Attorney Nicholls said he would request both terms from the banks. All members were in favor.

ACTING CHIEF WILLIAM ARTHUR – A motion was made by A.J.Fuga, seconded by W.Estile to appoint William Arthur as Acting Chief until the next meeting or when Chief Zellers returns. All members were in favor.

Psab dinner January 17th any who wishes to attend contact borough office.

W.Estile asked when the sub-committee for the police will meet. K.Hosie said it will be talked about in February.

ROAD BONDS – Mayor Smallacombe reported there is a lot of heavy truck traffic on Bonnie Drive and asked that the Power Company he works for and Rapid Pallet be asked for a bond to repair the road if there is damage.

Dawn Miller commended the DPW for the good job plowing the roads.

A.Wilson asked if council would have another meeting with Senator Blake. J. Smith said he will call Senator Blakes office to set up an appointment.

Mr. Smith complimented the DPW on the job done with the plowing.

A motion was made to adjourn by J.Smith seconded by A.J.Fuga to adjourn. All members were in favor.